Harman Automotive, Franklin, Ky., celebrated its 10th anniversary on October 14th. “We are proud of the team in Franklin for the 10-year achievement,” says Michael Mauser, Co-President, Harman Automotive Division. “I would like to thank all employees for their commitment and their hard work over the years in both good and tough economic times. The strong team spirit and corporate affiliation of all to Harman and our customers’ needs always shone through.”

Sachin Lawande, Co-President, Harman Automotive Division, says: “Congratulations on the consistent customer satisfaction over the last 10 years - especially with such demanding customers as Toyota and Lexus. The team-based manufacturing concept developed by the Franklin staff has been influential to the manufacturing strategy of Harman worldwide.”

The last decade, Harman’s employees in Franklin experienced a successful partnership with the State of Kentucky and the city of Franklin. On Thursday, Harman celebrated the 10th anniversary in a ceremony with officers of the local city government and the Kentucky state economic development as well as representatives of our customer Toyota.

Don Barnes, Director of Operations, kicked off the official celebration on by stating, “Of course, none of the accomplishments over the last 10 years would have been possible without the commitment of all the team members that have worked countless hours and in an ever-changing environment. Today is a celebration and recognition of you and we wish to say ‘Thank you for your dedication and drive for total customer satisfaction’.”

“Ten years ago, Harman started operations with 38 employees, producing speakers for Toyota. Fast forward to today, the facility has expanded 3 times and increased our product and customer portfolio. In total the Franklin team has produced 37 million speakers and nearly 5 million amplifiers over the last 10 years that are in vehicles around the world providing superb listening experiences to millions of people,” stated Barnes.

“The early vision for the Franklin plant was to become a progressive, world class operation and to be a partner to the community and our customers. The team here has succeeded on all those counts. “ commented Phil Eyler, Vice-President and General Manager of Harman Automotive.

Ken Menke, Manager, Community & Government Relations, praised the Franklin operations saying “It was a real honor for Toyota to participate in recognizing the Harman Team on their 10th Anniversary. This team provides premium audio components for our Toyota and Lexus products in North American and around the world.”

Congressman Ed Whitfield’s field representative Sandy Simpson was also recognized during the ceremony. Remarks were shared by State Senator David Givens, State Representative Wilson Stone, as well as Mayor Herbert Williams, County Judge Executive Jim Henderson, and Industrial Board Chairman Gary Broady who presented Harman with a commemorative plaque.

State Senator David Givens praised the company, “One true measure of business success is stability amid challenging times. Celebrating Harman Automotive's 10-year anniversary serves as a testimony to sound business practices, dedicated employees and an industry-friendly Simpson County community.“

The prolific partnership between the State of Kentucky, the city of Franklin and Harman has been a formula for success. Toyota and Harman each donated $10,000 to Franklin-Simpson Parks and Recreation Department as a sign of appreciation for the successful partnership and commemoration of the 10 year relationship. Mauser and Lawande acknowledged “Our intention is to support the city’s social development by donating playground equipment for the local parks.” The playground structures are rated for children ages 2-12 and will be handicap accessible. The fitness system is rated for children ages 5-12 and will also be handicap accessible.

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